EASY GRAVY HACKS FOR IRRESISTIBLE HOLIDAY COOKING

(BPT) - Planning and food prep for the holidays are underway so you're probably creating grocery store lists and considering which favorite family recipes to cook this year. No matter what you're serving, there's one thing that can elevate foods from good to great: a delicious gravy.

Making gravy doesn't have to be complicated and time-consuming. You can get the best turkey gravy in 5 minutes using two simple steps. The trick is to use a gravy mix because it provides a fool-proof, deliciously smooth gravy without worry. Here's how to do it:

Perfect turkey gravy

Makes 15 servings

Ingredients:

2 packages McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix1/4 cup flour3 cups water1 cup turkey pan drippings or turkey broth1 cup chopped cooked turkey giblets (optional)Instructions:

Step 1: Mix Gravy Mix and flour in large saucepan. Gradually stir in water and turkey drippings or turkey broth with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in chopped turkey giblets, if desired.

Step 2: Stirring frequently, cook on medium-high heat until gravy comes to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. (Gravy will continue to thicken upon standing.)

Craving a flavor twist? Try this to elevate your flavor profile. Prepare gravy as directed, reducing water to 2 1/4 cups. Then, stir in 3 tablespoons white wine and 3/4 teaspoons McCormick Rubbed Sage.

More than just turkey

While this savory gravy is excellent for classic holiday turkey, using a recipe mix is a quick way to dress other dishes as well. Use McCormick Pork Gravy to add flavor to pork and side dishes, without adding fat; and serve McCormick Brown Gravy over beef, hot meat sandwiches, or mashed potatoes.

Want to customize the flavor of your gravy? Try this simple hack: Add pan drippings from any roast to make the gravy taste more like homemade varieties. You can't go wrong when your gravy tastes like Mom's but with much less effort!

Additional tips and tricks

After you make your gravy, you can save it for future use. Beyond family meals, leftovers are good for lunches as well. Simply pack into individual servings and top with gravy for a warm and wonderful lunch that will satisfy on even the busiest workdays.

Visit www.mccormick.com for tips and tricks for easy holiday cooking, including free recipes and videos.

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